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Sale 54
Pre-Long Beach Coin and Currency Auction
| The Dan Holmes Collection - 1793-1795 |
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| Lot |
Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 101 |
 |
1794 S-64 R5- Missing Fraction Bar. PCGS graded MS-64. Choice lustrous light steel brown with 20-25% of the original mint red remaining. The surfaces are satiny and this cent would be, as Ted Naftzger liked to say, "Bulletproof" as a gem if not for a collection of shallow planchet voids in the field left of the date and lowest curl. Otherwise this cent is virtually perfect similar to the finest of the famous Baron St. Oswald 1794 cents. MDS, Breen die state III. The die crack through the D in UNITED is strong but the sliver inside the D has not broken away. The strike is needle-sharp and the missing fraction bar feature is obvious. Both sides of this cent are plated in the Elder-Gilbert book. Called MS65 and CC#2 in the Bland condition census behind a slightly finer example that retains none of its original mint color. Noyes says MS60 net AU55 for the mint-made planchet flaws and tied for CC#2, his photo #21045. Our grade is MS63. PCGS population 1 with none finer at PCGS for the variety. DWH #3531.ght top of M in AMERICA. The missing fraction bar feature is easily visible, although not strong due to the finely cut fraction. DWH #3038.
Estimated Value $100,000-UP.
Ex Henry C. Miller, Thomas L. Elder 4/1917:696-Dr. George P. French-B. Max Mehl FPL 1929:73-T. James Clarke 10/1954-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldberg’s 9/14/08:169.
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| Realized
$172,500 |
Lot 102 |
 |
1794 S-64 R5- Missing Fraction Bar. Fine-12. Attractive glossy light to medium brown. The surfaces are mostly smooth and attractive for the grade, but there is a patch of very shallow roughness under ITE in UNITED. In addition, there are a couple tiny rim bruises right of the Y in LIBERTY, another at the U in UNITED, and a small one at the first S in STATES. Faint hairline scratches cover the area inside the wreath. None of these defects is especially distracting and the overall eye appeal is nice for the grade. LDS, Breen state V. The die crack through the D in UNITED is strong and extends to the C in CENT where swelling has essentially obliterated ONE CENT. A second weaker but clearly visible die crack extends from the dentils to the right top of M in AMERICA. The missing fraction bar feature is easily visible, although not strong due to the finely cut fraction. DWH #3038.
Estimated Value $800-UP.
Ex Edward H. Schwartz, Abe Kosoff 10/11/61:72-Jack Boozer (Abilene, Texas) 3/66-John D. Wright 1/18/06-Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley 4/3/06.
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| Realized
$2,875 |
Lot 103 |
 |
1794 S-65 R1. VF-20. Five points sharper but lightly cleaned and nicely retoned glossy medium brown with a couple peeps of very faded red remaining in protected areas. The surfaces are smooth, free of corrosion or verdigris, but there are some light contact marks. The notable ones are a small nick high on the cheekbone, a group of tiny nicks on the upper half of the M in AMERICA, and a tiny rim nick at the I in UNITED. E-MDS, Breen state II. There are faint die clashmarks behind the portrait and a fine die crack from the dentils down to the second S in STATES. Struck slightly off center to K-1. DWH #2709.
Estimated Value $800-UP.
Ex Chris McCawley 5/96-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$2,990 |
Lot 104 |
 |
1794 S-65 R1. EF-40. Choice glossy medium brown and chocolate with underlying frosty lighter brown toning in protected areas and steel brown highpoints. Just a few trivial contact marks from flawless. The best identifying marks are a very fine hairline scratch from the middle of the neck into the field over the pole and another that meanders down from the base of E in CENT to the ribbon knot. MDS, Breen state VI, showing additional die cracks on both sides, including one from the dentils to the lower point of the cap. Great eye appeal. Called EF40 in both census lists, and tied for CC#8 in the Noyes hierarchy, his photo #20415. DWH #0085.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex Anderson Dupont, Stack's 9/24/54:92-Dorothy Paschal 3/10/64-Robert S. Carter, Jr. 3/13/70-Del Bland-Dr. Dane B. Nielsen-Denis W. Loring-Jack Robinson, Superior 1/29/89:114.
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| Realized
$18,400 |
Lot 105 |
 |
1794 S-65 R1. EF-40. Very attractive glossy medium brown and chocolate with a small spot of dark olive toning in the field at the front edge of the throat just above the pole. The only contact mark is a very light rim bruise right of the Y in LIBERTY. The surfaces are choice and traces of frosty mint luster remain in protected areas, especially on the reverse. Excellent eye appeal. LDS, Breen state IX. The obverse and reverse die cracks are strong and the reverse die is shattered causing weakness at ICA. Removed from a PCGS slab graded AU58 (PCGS label included). DWH #3168.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex American Numismatic Rarities 3/05:56 (via Chris McCawley) 5/06.
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| Realized
$10,063 |
Lot 106 |
 |
1794 NC-6 R8-. Fine-12. Noyes Plate Coin. Attractive glossy medium brown and chocolate. There is a small spot of shallow roughness in the field just right of the date, a dull, very light rim nick at Y in LIBERTY, and some faint hairline scratches inside the wreath, all blended into the natural patina. LDS. The central portion of the reverse is heavily swollen, apparently heavier than on the other two examples of this variety. Obviously the reverse die failed almost immediately and was replaced with the S-64 reverse die. This is the plate coin for the variety in Noyes book on the early date large cents and in the Tom Morley grading guide for 1794 cents (page 39). Only 3 examples are known. This piece is tied for finest known honors at F12 in the Bland census. Noyes calls this one F12 net VG10 and tied for CC#1 with a VF25 piece that is netted down to VG10 due to significant defects. The third known example grades VG8 and also has significant defects. DWH #0083.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Ex C. Douglas Smith (purchased unattributed in 1959) 1/60-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/72-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., New Netherlands Coin Co. 11/73:386-John W. Adams 11/73-Denis W. Loring 5/75-Dorothy Paschal 1/76-Denis W. Loring 5/7/83-Jack Robinson, Superior 1/29/89:118.
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| Realized
$40,250 |
Lot 107 |
 |
1794 S-66 R5+. VG-10. Slightly sharper with traces of microscopic roughness under a glossy dark chocolate and olive brown patina. No verdigris, and the only notable marks are a rim bruise opposite the mouth and a tiny rim bruise under the fraction. EDS, Breen state I, without the "Split Pole" die crack that connects the lower edge of the pole to the rim below. The date and legends are bold. Called net VG10 in the Bland and Noyes census lists, tied for CC#5 in the Bland arrangement and CC#6 according to Noyes, his photo #21093. DWH #2710.
Estimated Value $6,500-UP.
Ex Arch Cook 11/29/63-C. Douglas Smith 1965-Alfred Bonard-Charles French 5/67-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 1/94-Chris McCawley 9/96-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$12,075 |
Lot 108 |
 |
1794 S-66 R5+. VF-25. Plated in Chapman, Breen, Noyes, Penny Whimsy, and Early American Cents. Attractive glossy medium brown and light chocolate with darker chocolate brown toning in protected areas. The surfaces are perfectly smooth everywhere except in the field around LIBERTY, where traces of extremely fine roughness are partially hidden under the attractive glossy toning. The only marks are a couple small, shallow planchet flakes at the L in LIBERTY, a pair of faint hairline scratches across the top of the cap, and a barely visible rim nick just left of the fraction. Otherwise this cent is choice, and the eye appeal remains excellent. Terminal die state, Breen state IV, with the "Split Pole" crack bold plus an additional die crack arcing from the forehead into the field where it fades out as it nears the dentils opposite the chin. Called VF25 and finest known in the Del Bland/Walter Breen condition census. Noyes says VF35 net VF25 and tied for CC#1 honors with one other piece, his photo #21046. Removed from a PCGS slab graded VF35 (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Husak provenance). Plated in Chapman, Early American Cents (obverse only), Penny Whimsy (obverse only), Breen’s Complete Encyclopedia, and in the Noyes book. PCGS Population 1; The only one graded at PCGS for the variety. DWH #3475.
Estimated Value $35,000-UP.
Ex Ebenezer Gilbert-Dr. George P. French (this was Dr. French’s favorite coin, and he carried it with him to show to his friends at ANA Conventions) 3/21/29-B. Max Mehl FPL 1929:71-T. James Clarke 1944-B. Max Mehl 1944-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/92-R. E. Naftzger, Jr. 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 4/4/92-Dr. Allen Bennett 1/2000-Walter Husak, Heritage 2/15/08:2068.
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| Realized
$55,200 |
Lot 109 |
 |
1794 S-67 R3. PCGS graded MS-64 Red & Brown. Frosty mint red mellowing to light steel brown, about half the faded mint color remaining. A choice cent with only a few trivial identifying defects, including microscopic planchet chips near the dentils at the cap, a very small planchet chip inside the lower part of the L in LIBERTY, and a tiny struck-through line on the shoulder, all as struck. The only post-striking defect is a small spot of very fine carbon on the tip of the second leaf above the O in ONE. LDS, Breen state V. The fine die cracks and clashmarks are all clear. An outstanding cent, carefully preserved from the day it was obtained directly from the US Mint. Called MS65 choice and CC#2 in the Noyes census. Bland also says MS65 and CC#2. Our grade is MS65. PCGS Population 1; One finer in MS-67 RB at PCGS fpr the variety. DWH #2711.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
Ex Major Sir Rowland Denys Guy Winn, M. C., 4th Baron St. Oswald-Christie, Manson & Woods, Ltd. (London) 10/64:159-A. H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. (London)-Lester Merkin 10/73:255-Andrew M. Hain-Dennis Steinmetz-1980 ANA Sale, Steve Ivy Numismatic Auctions, lot 941-R. E. Naftzger, Jr.-Auction ’86 (Paramount Numismatic Services), 7/26/86:1517-Stack’s (privately)-Marvin Taichert, Stack’s 5/9/01:11-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$184,000 |
Lot 110 |
 |
1794 S-68 R5. AU-55. Plated in Breen and Noyes. Glossy medium brown delicately woodgrained with darker chocolate and steel brown on the obverse. Frosty mint luster shows through in protected areas and the reverse fields are slightly reflective. Great eye appeal, just a touch of rub on the highest points from mint state. The only identifying mark is a small patch of microscopic planchet roughness between the U in UNITED and the adjacent ribbon end. LDS, Breen state V, with a fine bisecting die crack across the horizontal obverse bulge. Called MS60 and CC#1 by a whopping 25 points in the Noyes census, his photo #21047. Bland says AU55 and CC#1 by a still-significant 15 point margin. This cent is plated in the Noyes and Breen books to illustrate the variety. Removed from a PCGS slab graded AU58 (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Husak provenance). DWH #3476.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
Ex J. Sanford Saltus 10/1899-American Numismatic Society 12/1950-Homer K. Downing (his initials "HD" are filled with yellow ink on the H and final D in HUNDRED on the edge)-1952 ANA Sale (New Netherlands Coin Co. #38), lot 1700-Harold Bareford 9/13/85-Herman Halpern 12/11/86-R. E. Naftzger, Jr.-Dr. Allen Bennett-Walter Husak, Heritage 2/15/08:2070.
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| Realized
$155,250 |
Lot 111 |
 |
1794 S-69 R3. VF-30. Sharpness EF40 but the obverse is peppered with tiny planchet voids, the largest of these slanting from the shoulder through the 9 to the dentils below. The rest of the planchet flakes are individually insignificant, but there are too many of them to ignore. The reverse, however, is smooth and choice. No spots or stains, and the only contact marks are some very light and barely visible hairline scratches in the field under the chin. Frosty steel brown and chocolate with reddish steel undertones on the obverse from specks of reddish planchet slag in the tiny voids. The reverse is delicately mottled with frosty lighter steel brown toning in protected areas. EDS, Breen state I, before die lapping weakened the right wreath stem and without any die clashmarks. DWH #2712.
Estimated Value $3,000-UP.
Ex Dr. Boyd E. Hayward, Bowers & Merena 9/22/97:267-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$3,910 |
Lot 112 |
 |
1794 S-70 R2-. Fine-12. Slightly sharper with a small, light rim bruise at S-O and a beveled edge in the planchet (as struck) affecting the dentils just left of the fraction. Otherwise the surfaces are nice, just a few trivial contact marks consistent with the grade. Glossy chocolate brown. E-MDS, Breen state II early, showing a fine die crack from the dentils to the left top of the Y in LIBERTY extending down to the forehead. The H & D in HUNDRED are filled with yellow ink indicating ownership by Homer K. Downing. DWH #0093.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Ex Foster Lardner-The United States Coin Co. 11/1914:24-Henry C. Hines-Homer K. Downing, 1952 ANA Sale, New Netherlands Coin Co. #38, lot 1696-Dr. Charles L. Ruby, Superior 2/74:402-Allen J. Lovejoy, Stack's 10/82:614-Jack Robinson, Superior 1/29/89:124-Chris McCawley 5/27/89.
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| Realized
$2,530 |
Lot 113 |
 |
1794 S-70 R2-. PCGS graded MS-62 Brown. Noyes Plate Coin. Very attractive lustrous steel brown. The fields and protected areas are covered with satiny mint frost and the eye appeal is outstanding for the grade. Just a hint of rub on the highest points of the design from mint state. The only notable defects are a small, shallow contact mark on the neck close to where the pole reaches the front edge of the neck and several tiny planchet chips at the top of the cap, as struck. MDS, Breen state II. The die crack from the dentils at TY is strong and reaches down through the forehead and face to the jawline where it fades away. The single die clashmark of Ms Liberty’s nose under ER in AMERICA that shows in Breen’s state III is not present. Called MS60 and tied for CC#1 in the Bland census. Noyes says MS60 net AU55 and tied for CC#1 as well, his photo #20782. This is the Noyes plate coin for the variety. Our grade is AU58+, very close to MS60. Comes via a long line of prominent owners. PCGS Population 2; None finer at PCGS for the variety. DWH #3504.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Ex Dr. Edward Maris, Harlan P. Smith 6/1886:267-Benjamin H. Collins 1895-Dr. Thomas Hall 9/7/1909-Virgil M. Brand-B. G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.) 8/1/1945-James Kelly-Dr. James O. Sloss 9/58-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., Abe Kosoff 10/59:25-Louis Helfenstein, Lester Merkin 8/64:5-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 4/4/92-Dr. Allen Bennett-Walter Husak, Heritage 2/15/08:2072-Chris McCawley 5/9/08.
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| Realized
$41,400 |
Lot 114 |
 |
1794 S-71 R2. PCGS graded MS-61 Brown. Plated in Early American Cents and Penny Whimsy. Choice glossy chocolate brown with frosty lighter steel brown toning covering the protected areas. Would rate a grade about 10 points higher except for a faint hairline scratch slanting across the neck, another in the curl above the 17, and several slightly stronger ones on the reverse, strongest under the C & N in CENT. None of these hairline scratches is distracting and the overall eye appeal of this cent is excellent. The best identifying mark is a small spot of dark planchet slag under the right foot of the second A in AMERICA, as struck. E-MDS, Breen state III, showing a fine die crack passing across the end of the pole but before the obverse die was reground to remove clashmarks. The reverse is rotated 10 degrees CCW. Called AU55 net EF40 and tied for CC#6 in the Noyes and Bland census lists, but a 15-point deduction for the minor scratches seems harsh given the excellent eye appeal of this cent. Noyes photo #29414. The obverse is plated in Penny Whimsy and Early American Cents and in Tom Morley's 1794 grading guide to illustrate the EF45 grade. Our grade is EF45. The Penny Whimsy plate connection and Sheldon attribution are both noted on the NGC label. Comes with a nice provenance. PCGS Population 1; The only one graded for the variety at PCGS. DWH #2358.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Colonel Edward H. R. Green-Burdette G. Johnson (St. Louis Stamp & Coin Co.) 5/29/1942-Thomas L. Elder-Oscar J. Pearl, Numismatic Gallery FPL 1944:84-J. H. South-Stack's 2/51:343-I. M. Irving-Lester Merkin-unknown-Stack's 3/86:1192-Andy Hain, Stack's 1/15/02:734-McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 7/27/03:209-Chris McCawley 1/9/04.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$14,950 |
Lot 115 |
 |
1794 NC-3 R8. Fine-12. Plated in Breen and Noyes. Slightly sharper with two long, thin nicks at the ear and a dull nick inside the O in ONE, plus a very light rim bruise at the second A in AMERICA and a fine hairline scratch under CENT extending to the E in AMERICA. Otherwise the surfaces are very nice, nearly choice. Attractive glossy medium brown and chocolate. EDS, the only state known. Plated in Noyes and Breen to illustrate the variety (the caption under the Breen plate is incorrect). Called net F12 in both census lists, Noyes photo #21049. Finest of only 2 known, and the other example is a net G5 or G6 (depending on the census used) impounded in the ANS Museum. As with this lot and several other cents in the Dan Holmes sale, you win this one or you do without the variety for what may be a very long time. DWH #1775.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Ex C. H. Stearns, Mayflower Coin Auctions 12/1966:325-Alfred Bonard-French's (privately) 5/67-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 11/19/92-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 1/27/96:100.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$60,375 |
Lot 116 |
 |
1794 S-72 R2 Exact Head of 1795. PCGS graded AU-53. Choice glossy chocolate brown. Excellent eye appeal and only a few trivial marks, including a small spot of dark olive toning at the base of the neck and a dull, light nick on the E in ONE. The wear might be slightly more than you’d like to see on a VF35 cent, but the surfaces and eye appeal certainly justify the extra point or two. MDS, Breen state III, with a diagonal die crack between the T & Y in LIBERTY down to the forelock and a fine die crack from the dentils through the D in UNITED to the wreath below. The reverse is rotated 15 degrees CCW. Called EF40 net VF30 by Noyes and tied for CC#14 in his census, photo #32526. Our grade is VF35. PCGS Population 2; Only 2 graded at PCGS for the variety. May be the same coin. DWH #2713.
Estimated Value $6,000-UP.
Ex Henry C. Hines-Barney Bluestone MBS #100, 2/28/48:741-Willard C. Blaisdell 2/1/71-Dr. Edward R. Bush-Denis Loring 8/6/74-Dr. Bob Shalowitz-Del Bland-Denis Loring-Jack Robinson, Superior 1/29/89:130-Gary Ruttenberg, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 8/17/96:103-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$14,950 |
Lot 117 |
 |
1795 S-73 R5- Lettered Edge. VF-35 Plus. Plated in Penny Whimsy, Early American Cents, and the Noyes book. Ten points sharper but covered with extremely fine granularity, strongest on the obverse. No marks or verdigris. Uniform dark olive and steel. The obverse is slightly glossy while the reverse displays lots of natural gloss enhancing the eye appeal. The reverse grades a solid EF40 or better. MDS, Breen state III, with a fine die crack from F through AMERI to the dentils over the adjacent C. Called EF45 and finest known by 25 points in the Bland census. Noyes says EF45 net VF35 and CC#1 by 20 points, his photo #21135. Either way, this cent is undisputed as the finest known S-73 by a wide margin. Removed from a PCGS slab graded EF45 (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Husak provenance). PCGS Population 1; The only one graded for the variety ar PCGS. DWH #3477.
Estimated Value $25,000-UP.
Ex Foster Lardner, United States Coin Co. 11/1914:26-Henry C. Hines 1945-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/72-R. E. Naftzger, Jr. 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 12/93-Wes Rasmussen, Heritage 1/13/2005:3084-Walter Husak, Heritage 2/15/08:2075.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$32,775 |
Lot 118 |
 |
1795 S-74 R4- Lettered Edge. EF-40. Glossy medium brown and chocolate with darker olive brown toning in protected areas and delicate overtones of light bluish steel on both sides. No spots or stains, and the only defect of any consequence is a planchet void on the edge affecting the dentils above the T & Y in LIBERTY, as struck. This planchet flaw certainly is a distraction, but otherwise the eye appeal of this cent is excellent. E-MDS, Breen state II, without bulging at the 7 in the date. Called EF40 and tied for CC#7 in the Bland census. Noyes says EF45 net VF35 and tied for CC#10, his photo #37397. DWH #2716.
Estimated Value $6,500-UP.
Ex Rick DeSanctis, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 1/11/97:206-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$11,213 |
Lot 119 |
 |
1795 S-75 R3 Lettered Edge. AU-55. Lustrous light olive and chocolate with steel overtones on the highpoints. The only marks on otherwise choice surfaces are a few dozen microscopic pinprick-like planchet chips scattered over the obverse, as struck. The reverse, however, is flawless except for a couple shallow low spots inside the wreath (caused by traces of debris on the die). M-LDS, Breen state V early. The obverse is starting to buckle and both sides display traces of fine die rust (raised lumps on the coin). Called AU55 net AU50 and tied for CC#21 in the Noyes census, his photo #32599. Removed from a PCGS slab graded MS62BN (PCGS label included, and it shows the attribution and Wells provenance.) PCGS Population 1; One finer in MS-64 BN at PCGS for the variety. DWH #3546.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Chris McCawley 1992-Chris Kromer, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Superior 2/18/01:2150-March Wells, McCawley & Grellman Auctions/Goldberg’s 2/1/2009:556.
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| Realized
$12,075 |
Lot 120 |
 |
1795 S-76a R5 Lettered Edge with ONE CENT High. PCGS graded MS-65 Brown. Choice lustrous medium brown and chocolate with frosty lighter brown toning faded down from mint color covering the protected areas. Virtually flawless, and the eye appeal is outstanding. The only identifying marks, and they are barely visible, are a very faint horizontal hairline on the forehead, a tiny rim nick under the bust tip, and a small spot of light reddish brown toning left of the O in OF. MDS, Breen state II, with fine die clashmarks visible on both sides. Finest known by a wide margin on every census list. Called MS63 choice and CC#1 in the Noyes list, his photo #20958. Our grade is MS63. The second finest known example is only EF45, and it resides in the ANS Museum. The next best available to collectors grades only VF25 or VF30 depending on the census list used. A remarkable example and a highlight of this fabulous collection. PCGS Population 1; The Finest graded at PCGS for the variety. DWH #2820.
Estimated Value $75,000-UP.
Ex Winsor-Wurtzbach-Virgil Brand 1940-Burdette G. Johnson-Pierce-Hollinbeck FPL 1945, lot 16-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/72-R. E. Naftzger, Jr. 1992-Jay Parrino (The Mint) 4/16/96-Jack Wadlington 11/7/05 (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley).
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| Realized
$155,250 |
Lot 121 |
 |
1795 S-76b R1 Plain Edge with ONE CENT High. AU-55. Thin Planchet with Plain Edge. Frosty medium brown with hints of light bluish steel overtone in protected areas. Very close to mint state but a strong glass reveals a few microscopic hairlines on the obverse. Otherwise this cent is free of defects. Excellent eye appeal. MDS, Breen state IV. There are delicate die clashmarks visible on both sides and the pole still reaches the bust (later states from lapped dies have the pole attenuated before it reaches the neck). DWH #3527.
Estimated Value $7,500-UP.
Ex Chris McCawley 1/10/09.
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| Realized
$15,525 |
Lot 122 |
 |
1795 NC-2 R8 Plain Edge with ONE CENT High. Struck over 1794 Talbot Allum & Lee Cent. About Good-3. Sharpness G6 where properly struck up, but much of the legend is lost in the undertype of the TAL cent. There is an "X" lightly scratched across the obverse. The planchet is mostly smooth, but there is some very fine roughness in protected areas. Fairly glossy chocolate brown. The date and portrait are clear, and at least half the reverse is legible. The edge is smooth and shows no trace of the lettering which is normally found on TAL cents (some of which come with plain edges). Slightly the finer of only two known, and both of these are struck over 1794 TAL cents. This is the discovery coin for the variety, which is the only one that uses this distinctive obverse die. Weight 145.2 grains. Called AG3 and finest in the Bland census. Noyes says Fair-2 and tied with the other example, his photo #21319. A side-by-side comparison of the two pieces (which we were able to perform) shows this one is clearly superior. This is the plate coin used to illustrate the variety in the Noyes book. DWH #1776.
Estimated Value $10,000-UP.
Ex Lester Merkin (discovered by Walter Breen in a date set purchased by Lester Merkin 11/68) 3/69:649-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/92-Eric Streiner 8/13/92-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 1/27/96:108.
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| Realized
$15,525 |
Lot 123 |
 |
1795 NC-3 R7 Plain Edge with One Cent Central. About Good-3 Plus. Sharpness G6, even better on the reverse where more of the design is properly struck up, but the planchet is covered with fine roughness mixed with tiny pitmarks, mostly on the reverse. No verdigris or contact marks, and the color is a decent and slightly glossy medium brown and light chocolate with dark chocolate and olive brown in protected areas. The 17 & 5 in the date are weak but easily readable while the 9 is gone. A couple letters of LIBERTY are faintly visible as well but the rest are gone. Most of the reverse is clear and relatively strong, but TES OF and CA are missing. Six examples are known, and all are unevenly struck with weakness at these same places. Since the reverse die was only used during this NC-3 marriage, it is reasonable to speculate there was something amiss with the die resulting in a quick retirement and an extremely rare variety. The strong design elements remaining on the reverse of this example are a big plus, and the attribution points are clear (which is not the case for several of the known examples due to heavy wear and/or corrosion). A new discovery, attributed as NC-3 by this cataloger for ANACS on 8/07. The census for the variety is 4-3-2-2-2-1, so this piece is CC#2 among this rather uninspiring group of a half dozen cents. Removed from an ANACS slab graded "Good-6 Details, Corroded" (ANACS label included, and it shows the attribution). DWH #3444.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex Heritage 9/07:83-Chris McCawley/Doug Bird 1/08.
View details and enlarged photos
| Realized
$8,050 |
Lot 124 |
 |
1795 S-77 R3+ Plain Edge. VF-35. Five points sharper but there are several small planchet voids on the chin, forehead, and at the Y in LIBERTY, all as struck. Otherwise the planchet and surfaces are smooth and virtually flawless. Glossy steel brown with frosty light brown toning in protected areas. Nicely struck E-MDS, Breen state II. The obverse die was reground to remove clashmarks but the pole is now fragmented, but the fields do not show any swelling. Called EF40 and tied for CC#7 in the Bland census. Noyes says EF40 net VF35 and tied for CC#9, his photo #36439. DWH #2717.
Estimated Value $5,000-UP.
Ex A. H. Baldwin & Sons, Ltd. (London)-New Netherlands Coin Co #50, 12/57:989-Lester L. Greenwood-Robert S. Carter, Jr.-Tom Reynolds FPL #88, 3/24//97-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$4,485 |
Lot 125 |
 |
1795 S-78 R1 Plain Edge. MS-62 Plus. Clipped Planchet. Choice lustrous bluish steel brown delicately mottled with chocolate brown toning on both sides. The surfaces are smooth and the obverse fields are slightly reflective with a minimum of the usual tiny planchet imperfections. No spots, stains, or contact marks. The best identifying defects are a microscopic planchet chip in the field under the bust tip and a tiny curved planchet clip affecting the dentils over the A in STATES, both defects as struck. Very close to MS63. Great luster and eye appeal, certainly a condition census example. LDS, Breen state VI. Crumbling joins the top of the 5 to the bust. Removed from a PCGS slab graded MS-62 BN. PCGS Population 2; None fine at PCGS for the variety. Perhaps its the same as PCGS has only graded a total of 2 coins both MS-62 BN. DWH #2718.
Estimated Value $15,000-UP.
Ex Stack’s 10/20/99:44 (via Tony Terranova)-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$18,400 |
Lot 126 |
 |
1795 S-78 R1 Plain Edge but Thick, Heavy Planchet. Fair-2. The obverse is slightly nicer, the reverse a bit weaker. Glossy dark chocolate and steel brown. The only notable mark is a light rim bruise at Y in LIBERTY. The date is clear and LIBE is readable, but only 20% or so of the reverse remains visible. LDS, Breen state VI. Crumbling joins the top of the 5 to the bust. Struck on a thick but unlettered planchet weighing 216.2 grains. I have seen one other example, slightly less worn, weighing 225.1 grains. Most likely struck on a leftover planchet made under the old 208-grain standard, but not lettered using the Castaing machine. The heaviest noted in the Breen book weighs 187.0 grains. Less than a half dozen are known struck on a thick planchet. DWH #1846.
Estimated Value $500-UP.
Ex Doug Bird 4/3/98.
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| Realized
$633 |
Lot 127 |
 |
1795 S-78 R1 Large Diameter Planchet. Plain Edge. VG-10. A couple points sharper with faint granularity covering the fields and protected areas. The roughness is visible only with the aid of a strong glass and is mostly hidden under an attractive and rather glossy chocolate brown patina. The fields are a dark shade of chocolate while the highpoints are several shades lighter, and the contrast accents the details and adds to the eye appeal. MDS. A small die chip shows along the bottom edge of the jaw but the top of the 5 is not crumbled to the bust. The date and legends are complete and the date is strong. Struck on an oversize planchet with a diameter of 30 millimeters, about 2mm larger than normal. DWH #3506.
Estimated Value $2,000-UP.
Ex 2005 EAC Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 4/23/05:132-Walter Husak, 2008 EAC Sale, McCawley & Grellman Auctions 5/10/08:231.
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| Realized
$1,265 |
Lot 128 |
 |
1795 S-79 R7+ Reeded Edge. PCGS graded VG-10. Plated in Early American Cents, Penny Whimsy, the Noyes book, Breen, Judd, and Wayte Raymond’s Standard Catalog of United States Coins. Glossy medium brown. Covered with many small, light nicks, but none of these marks is significant or distracting. The best identifying marks are a dull rim nick under the 7, a tiny rim nick opposite the upper lip, and a very light rim bruise at F in OF. The date and legends are strong and clear, except for OF, which is not as strongly struck as the other details. Struck very slightly off center to K-3, but the beaded border device remains comfortably on the planchet on both sides. The reverse is rotated about 25 degrees CCW from normal head-to-foot orientation. The edge reeding is clear and relatively strong except for the area over S-OF-A, where it is weak or missing. The reason for the reeded edge is a matter of speculation. Walter Breen called the reeding "an experiment which proved to be a needless frill, adding to the cost of manufacture without compensatory advantage." Whatever the actual reason, the S-79 die variety is undoubtedly an official mint product since the reverse die was used to produce 6 different 1796 Draped Bust varieties (Sheldon numbers 106 through 111). The obverse die, however, was used only in this short-lived S-79 marriage. Arguably the most famous and eagerly sought variety in the entire series of US large cents and the undisputed "key" to completing a collection of the numbered Sheldon die varieties of early large cents, 1793-1814. Finest of 7 known with 2 additional examples rumored to exist but highly doubtful. Called VG8 and finest known in both census lists, Noyes photo #21005. Our grade is VG8. The currently accepted condition census for these 7 examples is 8-7-6-5-4-1-X (the Basal State-1 is a heavily corroded piece discovered in 2009 and the "X" represents a holed obverse brockage strike that is confirmed but its current location is unknown). The VG7 in this census is impounded in the ANS Museum, so the next best available to collectors is the corroded and rather ugly G6. The G4 example brought $402,500.00 as lot #1143 in the 11/20/2008 auction conducted by Bowers & Merena in Baltimore, and portions of the legend on that example were missing due to extremely heavy wear. The obverse of the example offered here is plated in Early American Cents, and both sides are illustrated in Penny Whimsy and in the Noyes book. Also plated in the 18th edition of Wayte Raymond's Standard Catalog of United States Coins, the Judd book on U.S. pattern coinage, and in Walter Breen's Complete Encyclopedia of U.S. and Colonial Coins. Weight 153.4 grains. PCGS Population 1; The only one graded at PCGS for the variety. DWH #1748.
Estimated Value $250,000-UP.
Ex Dr. S. T. Millard-B. Max Mehl #34, 3/1915:75-G. Kraft-Robert D. Book 5/1930-George H. Clapp-Howard R. Newcomb, J. C. Morgenthau & Co. #458, 2/45:76-James Kelly FPL #21, Fall 1945 to #23, Spring 1947-Celina Coin Co. #21, 3/47:2037-James Kelly 11/47:927-James Kelly 4/48:1327-Christian M. Petersen-Hollinbeck Coin Co. #166, 10/53:278-Dr. William H. Sheldon 4/19/72-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 2/23/92-Eric Streiner-Tony Terranova 12/20/93.
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| Realized
$1,265,000 |
Lot 129 |
 |
1795 NC-1 R8+ (Unique) Jefferson Head. Thick Planchet with Lettered Edge of 1793 (leaf stem & tip point down). Breen 10a. PCGS graded Fine-15. Breen Plate Coin. Sharpness VF25 with a relatively deep vertical scratch in the right obverse field, and on either side of this scratch are some small nicks. In addition, there is a small edge dent left of the lowest curl and some faint hairline scratches on the lower half of the reverse. Otherwise the planchet and surfaces are choice. Nice glossy chocolate brown with darker steel brown toning on the obverse highpoints. Sharply struck everywhere except around the wreath ribbon, which is weak, as always. The edge lettering is strong and complete. Weight 200.2 grains. One of three examples of 1795 NC-1 known, and the only piece struck on a thick planchet. Graded VF25 net F12 by Bland. Noyes has it as VF30 net VG10 and CC#2, his photo #25101. Our grade is F12. Plated in the Breen book to illustrate the variety. DWH #0105.
Estimated Value $50,000-UP.
Ex Tony Terranova (discovered 6/74 in a lot of coins purchased by Harmer Rooke Numismatists, Ltd.)-Joe Rose, Harmer Rooke 9/22/76:311-William R. T. Smith-Consigned to Bowers & Ruddy RCR #32, 1979, but not sold-William R. T. Smith 2/8/80 (for $14000).
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| Realized
$92,000 |
Lot 130 |
 |
1795 NC-1 R8 Jefferson Head. Thin Planchet with Lettered Edge of 1793 (leaf stem & tip point down). Breen 10b. Fair-2. Choice glossy chocolate brown. The planchet is smooth, virtually free of marks. Just lots of honest wear. The only defects are a small, very light contact mark on the throat and four tiny rim nicks scattered about the reverse. The date is full and easily readable but not strong, most of the portrait is visible, and LIBERT is clear. The Y is weak but visible. The reverse is nearly slick but the ED in UNITED remains visible, and a few of the dentils and wreath details in that area are faintly visible as well. The edge lettering is mostly worn smooth, but A DOLLAR is still readable, although some of the letters are faint. The leaf following DOLLAR also is faint, but the stem and tip appear to point down (edge device of 1793). Struck on a thin planchet, weight 168.9 grains. A total of 3 examples of NC-1 are known, one on a thick planchet (the unique Breen 10a, offered as the preceding lot) and two on thin planchets (Breen 10b, this Fair-2 example and a VF20). Called Fair-2 by Noyes and Bland, Noyes photo #28529. DWH #1777.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Ex Clayton L. Wallace, Stack's 12/63:458-Bradbury K. Thurlow, Mayflower Coin Auctions 12/67:126-R. E. Naftzger, Jr., 7/71-Denis W. Loring 5/74-Dr. Robert J. Shalowitz-John W. Adams-Kagin's Numismatic Auctions #305, 1/75:477-John W. Adams-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 9/30/86:106-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 1/27/96:113.
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| Realized
$36,800 |
Lot 131 |
 |
1795 S-80 R5+ Jefferson Head with Plain Edge (Breen 11b). PCGS graded VF-20. Slightly sharper with fine parallel hairline scratches in the hair plus some very faint ones at the same angle down to the left on the cap. The scratches in the hair follow the natural line of the hair strands and, as such, do not detract nearly as much from the eye appeal as they would if at a different angle. No additional signs of contact, just a couple tiny specks of verdigris between the leaves under ATE in STATES. Glossy dark olive brown with chocolate brown toning on the highpoints. The fields are covered with uniform very fine roughness that’s mostly hidden under the glossy natural patina. The date is clear and the legends are strong. The portrait is bold. Weight 202.8 grains. Accompanied by an ANACS photo grading certificate stating this cent is graded F12. Noyes graded VF25 net F12 and tied for CC#6, his photo #37306. Our grade is F12. PCGS Population 1; The only example graded at PCGS for the variety. DWH #2719.
Estimated Value $35,000-UP.
Ex Anderson Leas (comes with an old envelope stating "Saved by Anderson Leas, found in his belongings after his death." The envelope is printed "from//J. & J. Leas,//Grain, Flour and Seed,//West Manchester, Ohio")-Bowers & Merena 1/8/97:6-Jack Wadlington (via Bob Grellman & Chris McCawley) 6/30/05.
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| Realized
$94,875 |
Lot 132 |
 |
1795 NC-4 R8+ (Unique) Jefferson Head. Thick Planchet. Apparently Overstruck on a 1795 NC-1. (Sheldon 80a, Breen 11a). Fair-2. Sharpness G6 but holed at the top of the head. The planchet is smooth and attractive, especially for a Jefferson Head cent. There are some light rim bruises on both sides, strongest one just right of Y in LIBERTY, and a dull dent on the dentils right of the date. Nice glossy medium brown and chocolate. The date, portrait, and LIBERTY are clear. The reverse is not quite as sharp, but most of the details remain visible, especially on the left side. The undertype (1795 NC-1 according to Bland, and I agree with his analysis) is most visible in the right obverse field (where STATE can be made out) and on the lower portion of the reverse (where the head, cap, and some hair details remain visible). The reverse of the undertype strike was clearly off center leaving strong dentils from K-11 to K-5 on the obverse. The obverse of the undertype strike appears to have been properly centered, but I can't be sure. The edge may have been lettered at one time, but fairly crude reeding has been added, and that in combination with wear has eliminated any obvious traces of lettering. The planchet is relatively thick, weight 191.2 grains. Second finest of only 2 known of the variety, and unique overstruck on a thick planchet. (Breen discusses this cent on page 265 of his book on early large cents, and he suggests the undertype may be a 1794 cent. Bland's assessment of the undertype as a 1795 NC-1 appears correct.) DWH #0106.
Estimated Value $20,000-UP.
Ex Homer K. Downing, 1952 ANA Sale, New Netherlands Coin Co. #38), lot 1716-Harold Bareford 9/12/85-Herman Halpern-Denis W. Loring 2/89.
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| Realized
$25,300 |
Lot 133 |
 |
1795 NC-4 R8+ (Unique) Jefferson Head. Struck on Thin Lettered Edge Planchet. (Sheldon-80a, Breen 11a). Good-5. Sharpness F12 but the surfaces are granular, strongest in protected areas while smooth on the highpoints. There are three dull rim dents on the obverse, strongest one over the E in LIBERTY. The rim over TAT has been lightly smoothed to minimize the bulge created by the obverse rim dent left of the lowest curl. A dull scrape extends from the dentils at E in UNITED over to the bases of CE in CENT. The date, portrait, and LIBERTY are clear. The reverse legends also are clear, but the reverse die was significantly misaligned to K-4.5 leaving the tops of ERICA off the planchet. The obverse is properly centered. Recolored dark steel brown, the highpoints a lighter shade of steel brown. Traces of lacquer or glue can be found in a few protected areas, mostly on the obverse. Struck on a thin planchet (weight 151.8 grains) with a lettered edge. The leaf following DOLLAR appears to have its stem and tip pointing up, but it's difficult to be sure since the leaf is weak. Most of the edge lettering is visible, although some letters are faint. Two examples of the variety are known, but the other example is struck on a thick planchet (see the previous lot) so this example is unique as well. This is the Breen plate coin. DWH #1778.
Estimated Value $30,000-UP.
Discovered unattributed 8/1991 by Curtis R. Whitson-Superior 10/11/92:75-R. S. Brown, Jr., Superior 1/27/96:114.
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| Realized
$32,200 |
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